Ryan Adams - Let it Ride (Lost Highway) By Steve Rudd Release date: April 25th 2005

American Country-rocker Ryan is back on the scene, and is being backed by a new band of friends called The Cardinals. Let It Ride is their new single, and - true to form for Ryan - lush elements of both Country music and rock 'n' roll are fashionably entwined in the most sublime manner. The tune is acoustically propelled and buoyed up by a distinctly catchy riff. Indeed, Adams has a similar hold to Bruce Springsteen when it comes to writing strong melodies to underscore his emotionally fragile numbers, with this splurge of feel-good melancholia having been expertly produced by Tom Schick over in New York City. Let it ride... Let it rock me in the arms of stranger's angels croons Ryan.

For those who have never heard this man sing before, they might be in for a shock when they do hear his voice for the first time. Certainly, his voice isn't to all tastes, but it does carry raw emotion superbly and is hauntingly beautiful in its own undeniably unique right, so listen close - he could break your heart. Given this brand new release, which is actually available as a download-only single for some reason, we might just see Ryan and this new band of his over in the UK for some gigs in the near future.

Following an accident at one of his gigs a while back, which resulted in him injuring his hand, Ryan hasn't been playing in a live situation as much as anybody would like, but Let It Ride will hopefully herald a return on such a front. Even if no gigs do transpire, we do at least still have the music to savour. So go ahead; download away! And let it ride, let it ride, forever and a day. www.ryan-adams.com

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